James Joiner, 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty on March 18, 2021, following a two-day jury trial in federal court for Attempted Enticement of a Minor.
In March 2020, Joiner responded to an online prostitution advertisement by texting the phone number listed in the ad. An undercover law enforcement officer purporting to be a 15-year-old female responded to Joiner’s texts. Joiner made arrangements to meet the 15-year-old female at a gas station in Omaha, offering to pay the female and buy her an iTunes gift card.
When Joiner arrived at the gas station, he was detained by law enforcement. Joiner admitted to answering the prostitution ad and texting with what he believed to be a 15-year-old female, but testified that he intended to try to talk the female into doing some house cleaning work for him as an alternative way to make money.
Joiner faces up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of ten years. Joiner remains detained pending sentencing.
